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WARWICK — In a surprise statement at its regular monthly meeting on Monday night, the Warwick Valley Central School District board of education announced that it has hired a new principal, Dr. Larry Washington, for the high school.

Washington comes to Warwick from Suffern High School in Rockland County, where he was an assistant principal. He earned his Masters degree and Administrative certification from Mercy College in Westchester County and his Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University in New York.

He replaces Richard Linkens, principal at WVHS for the past four years. Linkens moves on to administration, where he will assume the role of Director of School Operations, effective in August.

As there will no longer be a dean of students at the high school, there will be no net gain of administrator. Linkens will assist with curriculum development and teacher evaluations.

Washington said he’s excited to be at WVHS, and is looking to work with everyone, and the community.

Funding restored in budgetSuperintendent of Schools Dr. David Leach had some good news for district parents: due to some a budget restoration, as well as some retirements, there will be half-time teachers in French at the middle school and high school, as well as in middle school music and high school visual arts.

New members take oath

The school board also swore in four members for the 2014-16 term.

Two of those members – Dory Masefield and Erin Maxcy are new to the school board; Shannon Hockswender and former board president Dave Eaton return for another term. Lynn Lillian moves up to take the reins as board president.

Other business:

Leach announced an upcoming administrative retreat, where a review of curriculum and technology will be the focus.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Services, James Yap said, regarding technology: “We were approached by Google, and asked to host a summit (housed at Kings Elementary) – the first in the Hudson Valley.”

He said that the summit – to be held in late October – would be center around education, with attendees to come from Upstate, Connecticut and New Jersey.

The board voted to make Dory Masefield school board liaison to the Greenwood Lake school district board.

Public Comment

District parent and DIRT charter school supporter, Chrissy Pahucki, addressed the board regarding a new policy implemented by the board, Policy 3282, concerning leasing district facilities.

The new policy bans rental or leasing of district property to – among other things – bars, any form of entertainment and charter schools.

Pahucki said, “I find it interesting you think charter schools rank up there with porn and bars.”

She referred to recent news of Governor Andrew Cuomo barring Mayor Bill DiBlasio from preventing charter schools in New York City.

Referring to last month’s district meeting regarding a proposed cell tower at the former Pine Island School building, Pahucki said, “We believe we can coexist with the Journey Church,” and wondered how the board can turn away income opportunities at this time. (See related story.)